The American Planning Association (APA) held the annual National Planning Conference in Chicago April 13-April 17. There were six aging-focused sessions and two facilitated discussions. Three of those events were selected and sponsored by specific APA divisions. Planning professionals were clearly looking for information on meeting the needs of older residents, and when given the […]

A panel of national experts from a variety of disciplines addressed this issue at the National Planning Conference on April 14. “YES” was the resounding answer, as Jana Lynott of the AARP Public Policy Institute presented the demographics. Women are the primary caregivers for children and aging parents. Women are the primary caregivers for their aging spouses. […]

A panel of experts presented on issues related to street design, safety, and seniors in the context of the Complete Streets movement. Jordana Maisel of the IDEA Center of the University of Buffalo, shared her past & current research efforts. While several organizations have created informative useful resources, Jordana observed the need for a focus on implementation. Research revealed […]

March 2013 The CAPS program is celebrating a major milestone: 5000 graduates! For more information, check out this article on NAHB.org. Do you know how CAPS came to be? In 2000, AARP conducted a study, Fixing to Stay, which found that over 80% of people 45 and older surveyed expressed a desire to age in place: […]

Recently, I read about the perceived value of door kit tub conversion kits, which involve cutting out the tub wall and installing a door for access. The author, who is also an installer, wrote that many of his senior clients have chosen this option, because of cost and less intensive renovation. The example given was […]

Have you read and utilized the terrific resource “Creating an Age-Friendly NYC One Neighborhood at a Time”? Created by the New York Academy of Medicine, the Office of the Mayor, and the New York City Council, this document explains the rationale of intentionally planning, designing, and implementing physical and programmatic features to enable the seniors […]

Recently, at the International Builders Show, while leading a Universal Design Day Products Tour, I had the opportunity to show two innovative products. Investing in an elevated tub such as Best Bath’s ADL Spa or Kohler’s Elevance is something which deserves consideration. These two products are the most innovative solutions in bathing. They cost approximately $7K […]

At the International Builders Show last week, Marvin Windows & Doors hosted a seminar on universal design and enabling design in their hospitality suite. The event was well attended by builders, architects, dealers, and distributors from across the nation who were very interested in hearing about design which enables. Afterwards, attendees went down to the […]

Over the past few months, I have had the pleasure of working with Marvin Windows & Doors. Marvin is a family-owned company dedicated to the quality of their products, to their employees, to the industry, and to their legacy. Did you know that Marvin did not lay off one single employee during the Great Recession, […]